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Stories from the courts

King denied an accusation previously heard by the jury that she played a cruel game of hide-and-seek with one of the children by locking her inside a suitcase.

Evidence was heard from a group of sisters who King also used to babysit. All spoke highly of her with one adding: “I always found her to be honest, caring, kind and loving.”

In 2001, the female complainant made a statement to police, along with her brothers, but no action was taken and the case collapsed.

But a new investigation was launched 13 years later when one of her brothers again contacted detectives about the alleged abuse.

Liverpool Crown Court has previously heard accusations King, who walks with a stick and has an intermediary in court to help her better understand the legal process, would order the children to take off their pyjamas.